Protesters taunt demonstrators from the conservative Westboro Baptist Church outside the convention.

Photo: Tiffany Tompkins-Condie, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Protesters taunt demonstrators from the conservative Westboro...

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Demonstrators walk during a protest, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Photo: Patrick Semansky, Associated Press

Demonstrators walk during a protest, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in...

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 29: A protester wearing a Mitt Romney mask participates in a march that was put on by West Central Florida Federation of Labor to, in their words, "demonstrate the reality of Mitt Romney's America" as the Republican National Convention continues at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 29, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Republican party delegates affirmed Mitt Romney as the party's nominee for President of the United States. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 29: A protester wearing a Mitt Romney mask...

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 29: A protester holds up a sign during a march that was put on by West Central Florida Federation of Labor to, in their words, 'demonstrate the reality of Mitt Romney's America' as the Republican National Convention continues at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 29, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Republican Party delegates affirmed Mitt Romney as the party's nominee for President of the United States.

Photo: Tom Pennington, Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 29: A protester holds up a sign during a march...

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Demonstrators participate in a protest rally, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention.

Photo: Patrick Semansky, Associated Press

Demonstrators participate in a protest rally, Wednesday, Aug. 29,...

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 29: A protester takes part in the march that was put on by West Central Florida Federation of Labor to, in their words, 'demonstrate the reality of Mitt Romney's America' as the Republican National Convention continues at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 29, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Republican party delegates affirmed Mitt Romney as the party's nominee for President of the United States.

Photo: Tom Pennington, Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 29: A protester takes part in the march that...

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Demonstrators participate in a protest rally, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention.

Photo: Patrick Semansky, Associated Press

Demonstrators participate in a protest rally, Wednesday, Aug. 29,...

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Sean Gregg a demonstrator walks during a protest, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Photo: Chris O'Meara, Associated Press

Sean Gregg a demonstrator walks during a protest, Wednesday, Aug....

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 29: Protesters march during the Republican National Convention on August 29, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The marchers remained peaceful and were allowed to make their own route through the city, traveling between separate camps where protesters are staying. (Photo by Edward Linsmier/Getty Images)

Photo: Edward Linsmier, Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 29: Protesters march during the Republican...

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 29: Protesters walk together during a march that was put on by West Central Florida Federation of Labor to, in their words, "demonstrate the reality of Mitt Romney's America" as the Republican National Convention continues at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 29, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Republican party delegates affirmed Mitt Romney as the party's nominee for President of the United States. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 29: Protesters walk together during a march...

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Demonstrators walk during a protest, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

Demonstrators walk during a protest, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in...

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Catherine Akin, of Jasper, Fla., a demonstrators participate in a protest rally in the rain, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention. (Patrick Semansky/AP) (Patrick Semansky / Associated Press)

Catherine Akin, of Jasper, Fla., a demonstrators participate in a...

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A demonstrator holding a prop marches during a union protest, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

A demonstrator holding a prop marches during a union protest,...

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Code Pink protester Medea Benjamin (2nd R) interacts with law enforcement while demonstrating at the Stratz Center for the Performing Arts on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Code Pink protesters were on hand to perform a citizen's arrest on Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for her involvement in the U.S. lead wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Photo: Tom Pennington, Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Code Pink protester Medea Benjamin (2nd R)...

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Several protesters from Code Pink lay under sheets to bring attention to the casualties of foreign conflicts outside the Straz Center for the Performing Arts during the National Republican Convention on August 28, 2012 in downtown Tampa, Florida. The Code Pink protesters were on hand to perform a citizen's arrest on Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for her involvement in the U.S. lead wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Photo: Edward Linsmier, Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Several protesters from Code Pink lay...

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Protesters from Code Pink gather outside the Straz Center for the Performing Arts during the National Republican Convention on August 28, 2012 in downtown Tampa, Florida. The Code Pink protesters were on hand to perform a citizen's arrest on Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for her involvement in the U.S. lead wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Photo: Edward Linsmier, Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Protesters from Code Pink gather outside...

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Police in riot gear stop an anti-GOP protest march from approaching the Tampa Bay Times Forum during a rally in Tampa, Florida on August 28, 2012. The 2012 Republican National Convention is expected to host 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five territories. AFP PHOTO/MLADEN ANTONOVMLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/GettyImages

Photo: Mladen Antonov, AFP/Getty Images

Police in riot gear stop an anti-GOP protest march from approaching...

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Police in riot gear stop an anti-GOP march from approaching the Tampa Bay Times Forum during a protest rally in Tampa, Florida on August 28, 2012. The 2012 Republican National Convention is expected to host 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five territories.

Photo: Mladen Antonov, AFP/Getty Images

Police in riot gear stop an anti-GOP march from approaching the...

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Masked anti-GOP protesters march on the streets in downtown Tampa, Florida on August 28, 2012. The 2012 Republican National Convention is expected to host 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five territories.

Photo: Mladen Antonov, AFP/Getty Images

Masked anti-GOP protesters march on the streets in downtown Tampa,...

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Anti-GOP protesters shout slogans during a protest rally in Tampa, Florida on August 28, 2012. The 2012 Republican National Convention is expected to host 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five territories.

Photo: Mladen Antonov, AFP/Getty Images

Anti-GOP protesters shout slogans during a protest rally in Tampa,...

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Anti-GOP protesters march on the streets in downtown Tampa, Florida on August 28, 2012. The 2012 Republican National Convention is expected to host 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five territories.

Photo: Mladen Antonov, AFP/Getty Images

Anti-GOP protesters march on the streets in downtown Tampa, Florida...

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Police in riot gear stop an anti-GOP march from approaching the Tampa Bay Times Forum during a protest rally in Tampa, Florida on August 28, 2012. The 2012 Republican National Convention is expected to host 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five territories.

Photo: Mladen Antonov, AFP/Getty Images

Police in riot gear stop an anti-GOP march from approaching the...

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Code Pink protesters demonstrate in front of the Stratz Center for the Performing Arts on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Code Pink protesters were on hand to perform a citizen's arrest on Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for her involvement in the U.S. lead wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Photo: Tom Pennington, Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Code Pink protesters demonstrate in front...

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A Code Pink demonstrator chants at a venue where former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was to speak, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention.

Photo: Chris O'Meara, Associated Press

A Code Pink demonstrator chants at a venue where former Secretary...

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Protesters from Code Pink are escorted by law enforcement officials from the Straz Center for the Performing Arts during the National Republican Convention on August 28, 2012 in downtown Tampa, Florida. The Code Pink protesters were on hand to perform a citizen's arrest on Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for her involvement in the U.S. lead wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Photo: Edward Linsmier, Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Protesters from Code Pink are escorted by...

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Will Greig shows his support for former Republican presidential candidate U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) as he protests on the first full day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Republican party delegates were prepared to affirm Mitt Romney as the party's nominee as the convention began its first full session after the start was delayed due to Tropical Storm Isaac.

Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Will Greig shows his support for former...

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Darrell Young (L) a supporter of former Republican presidential candidate U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) debates with Tonya Wieman a supporter of President Barack Obama as they stand together as they protest on the first full day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Republican party delegates were prepared to affirm Mitt Romney as the party's nominee as the convention began its first full session after the start was delayed due to Tropical Storm Isaac.

Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Darrell Young (L) a supporter of former...

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Protesters use an Apple Inc. laptop computer under a poncho following a demonstration at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Tampa, Florida, U.S., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. The first day of the RNC is formally convening on Aug. 27 and then immediately recessing until Aug. 28 due to Tropical Storm Isaac.

A demonstrator prepares to leave his tent, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in a camp called "Romneyville," in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention.

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

A demonstrator prepares to leave his tent, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012,...

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A man exercises in a camp, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in a camp called "Romneyville," in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention.

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

A man exercises in a camp, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in Tampa,...

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An anti-GOP protester wears a Guy Fawkes mask, symbol of the occupy movement, during a protest rally in downtown Tampa , Florida August 27, 2012. Due to incoming severe weather and possible hurricane conditions expected to hit the state by Monday, the Republicans have decided to cut short their National Convention by one day.

Photo: Mladen Antonov, AFP/Getty Images

An anti-GOP protester wears a Guy Fawkes mask, symbol of the occupy...

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Police officers in riot gear stand guard as protesters sit in the middle of a street during a demonstration at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Tampa, Florida, U.S., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. The first day of the RNC is formally convening on Aug. 27 and then immediately recessing until Aug. 28 due to Tropical Storm Isaac. Photographer: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg

Photo: Victor J. Blue, Bloomberg

Police officers in riot gear stand guard as protesters sit in the...

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 27: A Code Pink protester arrives in front of Ybor City's Cuban Club which is reported to be hosting a party attended by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and others as the Republican National Convention is set to begin on August 27, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Code Pink demostrators were accusing the people attending the party of being rich as well as supporters of presumptive Republican presidential nominee, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 27: A Code Pink protester arrives in front of...

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Demonstrators march through the streets of Tampa, Fla., to protest the Republican National Convention on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012.

Photo: Patrick Semansky, Associated Press

Demonstrators march through the streets of Tampa, Fla., to protest...

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 27: A Code Pink protester stands in front of Ybor City's Cuban Club which is reported to be hosting a party attended by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and others as the Republican National Convention is set to begin on August 27, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Code Pink demostrators were accusing the people attending the party of being rich as well as supporters of presumptive Republican presidential nominee, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 27: A Code Pink protester stands in front of...

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Protesters march through downtown with an effigy of Mitt Romney prior to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. (Tom Pennington / Getty Images)

Protesters march through downtown with an effigy of Mitt Romney...

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Activists face off with law enforcement officers while demonstrating on August 27, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The demonstration was being held just before of the start of the Republican's nominating convention which will hold its first session on August 28. The convention was scheduled to start on August 27 but was pushed back one day as Tropical Storm Isaac threatens to hit the Tampa area. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Photo: Tom Pennington, Getty Images

Activists face off with law enforcement officers while...

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Demonstrators walk during a protest, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in the Ybor City section of Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (AP)

Demonstrators walk and raise their fists during a protest, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in the Ybor City section of Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention.(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Demonstrators walk and raise their fists during a protest, Tuesday,...

It wasn't the first time that the co-founder of the San Francisco women's group known for its political theater and high jinks has been the subject of intense interest at major political events.

Benjamin, who has shouted slogans, disrupted events and created mischief for leaders including President George W. Bush, his Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and his Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, was tossed from the club, but shrugged it off with humor.

"I was a little too visible," she said, but added that before being ejected, "I did get to eat some very bad food, I must say."

Benjamin and her fellow Codepink activists have given Republicans and Democrats headaches over the years, with messages against war and money in politics, and over reproductive rights that liberals have dubbed a Republican "war on women."

Both parties, she said, are awash in corporate dollars and pursuing costly wars abroad, while ignoring issues such as health care, education and human rights.

Benjamin and her cohorts are busy this week. On Tuesday, they disrupted a National Rifle Association "shoot-out," tried to interrupt Rice's appearance on a panel, and met with African American and Latino groups to oppose what they say are Republican-led voter-suppression efforts in states including Florida.

They also protested Ann Romney's speech to the convention with a "Speak Out on Women's Issues" event, starring "dancing vagina puppets, banners, performances and a drag show," the organization said.

The group's antics this week, and its plans aimed at Democrats next week, are intended to remind Americans "how broken our system is," Benjamin said. So broken that she said she will back Green Party candidates instead.

"I have relatives on the extreme right," Benjamin added. "And the one thing that unites so many of us is: Kick the bums out."